The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-05-13
A BALLOT IN JOINT SESSION.

Goodrich ........... II
A large number of politicians are in the
city but there are no new features i'll the
Senatorial contest
The bill making appropriations to cover
last years expenses of the State government
and constitutional convention passed both
houses
Good authority says Gov. Perry win APP
point Chief Justice McWhOrter Senator
should the Legislature adjourn without elect
ing, and Gen. Finley may be appointed
Judge with the hope of his election to the
same place by the people next year.
THE GORDON RAILROAD BILL
The attempt to rush through the Senate a
bill declaring that Gov. Gordon, Of Georgia,
had forfeited all the rights and franchises
granted him by the State of Florida in the
international railroad charter which became
a law in 1888, failed since all recognized that
it was but justice to the other contracting
parties to be heard in the matter. Should
the Legislature declare the charter forfeited
it does not follow that it is annulled since it
is in the nature of q contract, and the
rights if any of the other parties cannot be
taken away without their consent. Of
course if they have no rights the matter
will be at an end and the lands now taken
out of the market for the benefit of the
Gordon railroad will be made free to all
purchasers and settlers. The bill has been
made a special order for Monday next, and
it is expected Gov. Gordon or his attorney
| will be on hand to look after his interests i'll
| the matter.
THE ROAD TO TOWNSVILLE,
The additional time asked by the Thomas
| ville Tallahassee and Gulf Railroad Com
| pany for the construction of their road from
| Townsville, Ga, to Tallahassee has been
| granted, and the completion of this short
| link will now be assured. ,
| A bill is now on its third reading in, the
| Senate, authorizing the Comptroller re
| fund money received for taxes upon double
assessments, or where the sale took place
| after the taxes were paid. This provides a
| long felt want for the relief of persons who
| have overpaid taxes but who could only get
relief through the Legislature. TheaInounts
| generally are small, and the Comptroller is
fully competent to judge as to the equity of
| the claims.
The Legislature being in doubt as to its
power to pass local or special legislation at
the present session, requested the Governor
| to obtain from the Judge of the Supreme
Court their opinion in the premises. The
Governor complied with the request, but
| the Supreme Court replied that the consti-
| tuition did not authorize them to give opin-
ions on legislative matters pending and they
| could pass upon the conStitutionality of a
law when its constitutionality was ques-
|
4 the Legislature is still in the dark, but will
probably pass many special laws to be tested
| in the regular way as to their validity. The
| lawyers of the Legislature are divided on
the question.
PRESIDENT MABRY.
President Mabry, of the Senate, was born
| in Pickens county, Ala, June II, 1851,
which makes him still very young man
Notwithstanding the many prominent posi-
lions he has held in this and other States
He lived for a time in Louisiana when a
| child and afterward moved with his father
! to Mississippi. Upon attaining his ma ority
| in 1872 he was elected delegate TO the Con-
| Stitutional Convention of Mississippi held
that year. He was twice elected Mayor of
| Tupelo, Miss, and removed TO Florida in
| 1879 In 1882 he was elected to the Florida
| Legislature. and in 1884 was on the first
ballot nominated for Lieutenant Governor,
which position he now holds, being ex-olficio
President of the Senate. He is a popular
gentleman, a wise, prompt and impartial
presiding officer, and is devoted to the adj
vancement of the best interests of his
| adopted State.
Should Gov. Perry be elected Senator
Mr.. Mabry will succeed to the Governor
ship, and the honor could not be placed upon
one more deserving. His rapid elevation
| is an encouragement to others who are now
seeking homes and fame in Florida His
| success is remarkable and well earned in
| every particular.
Senator Mallory proposes an amendment
TO the constitution so that homemade wines
| from oranges and other fruits viii be taken
| out cf the provisions of the local option law
IN regard to the sale of Intoxicating liquors
/ and drinks.